AFP won’t pursue raps vs Juana Change

Artist Mae Paner, alias Juana Change, could apply as an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reservist if she wants to legally wear the military camouflage uniform, an outfit sacred to the military, AFP spokesman Gen. Restituto Padilla said yesterday.

Citing the report reaching the office of AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año, Padilla said a thorough investigation showed that Paner did not actually ridicule soldiers but “praised the sacrifices of our men in uniform.”

“It was also reported that she did this in the interest of the arts, being a recognized comedian. Based on this information and other findings, the AFP will no longer pursue the case but calls upon Ms. Paner and other unauthorized individuals to henceforth desist from the inappropriate use of our uniforms,” he said at a briefing in Malacañang.

Padilla cautioned the public against wanton use of the AFP military uniform.

“She and the others must understand that the particular uniform she wore is the battledress attire of our Armed Forces. It is the same uniform our soldiers wear whenever we go to battle, and the same uniform many of our heroes die wearing in the battlefield and in the defense of the motherland and our people,” the general stressed.

“This is the very reason we hold this particular uniform very sacred,” he added.

The military official urged Paner to join the AFP by becoming a reservist. She can then use her talent to entertain soldiers recuperating in hospital or volunteer on the battlefield.